WOVEN T GETHER
NOVEMBER 13–15, 2025
Welcome Message
2026 Budget Package C O N T E N T T A B L E
Convention Schedule
Convention Vendors & Exhibitors
Rules of Order
Electronic Voting Instructions
Nominations to Elected Offices
Resolutions
MESSAGE
The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson
XI Bishop of The Diocese of Missouri
आपका स्वागत ह ¡Bienvenidos! 歡迎. Karibuni!
Welcome to the 186th gathering of the household of the Diocese of Missouri!
For more than 186 years, faithful followers of Jesus have come together in love, worship, and service seeking and serving Christ in both stranger and friend In their time, they wove threads of faith, courage, and compassion into the very fabric of our common life They built churches, schools, and hospitals as testaments to God’s goodness at work among them.
They welcomed the stranger, lifted up the poor, embraced the outcast, and proclaimed the Gospel of liberation and love. Their stories are the warp and weft the interlocking threads of who we are as a household today. Their faithfulness, fearlessness, and fierce devotion form the patterns upon which our diocesan tapestry continues to unfold. Their faithfulness, fearlessness, and fierce devotion form the patterns upon which our diocesan tapestry continues to unfold
This year, we gather under the theme Woven Together a reminder that our lives, ministries, and hopes are intertwined by the Holy Spirit into one beautiful and sacred design We are bound together in Christ across generations, geography, and difference Each convocation, each community of faith, each ministry, and each person contributes a unique thread to the larger story of God’s redeeming work in our midst Together, we are weaving communities of justice and joy, hope and healing, grace and generosity.
As one body, one fellowship, and one Church knit together in Christ Jesus, we are called to strengthen the bonds that connect us to collaborate, to share, to support, and to grow together. In a world so often torn by division and fear, our unity in Christ is both a gift and a witness. When we stand together for justice, speak peace into conflict, serve with compassion, and love without condition, we reveal the very pattern of God’s kingdom. Only a united Church can serve a divided world.
So let us be about the work of weaving God’s love, God’s hope, and God’s grace into our hearts and into the communities entrusted to our care. Let us, in this time and in this season, celebrate the past, engage the present, and inspire the future. Let us weave with courage, compassion, and creativity, trusting that the same Spirit who bound our forebears together continues to weave us into something strong, beautiful, and new
May all we do in this Convention and beyond be to the glory of the One who weaves us together in love
Thursday – November 13, 2025
Business Meeting (via Zoom)
4-5 pm Registration on Zoom
5 pm Call to order
8 pm Adjournment
Nominations from the floor
Built-in breaks
Friday – November 14, 2025
Business Meeting (via Zoom if needed)
5 pm - 8 pm
Registration 5-6 pm on Zoom
Saturday – November 15, 2025
7:30 a.m. Registration (Vendors encouraged to set up on Friday, 9 AM - 12 PM)
8:00 a.m. Check-in & Breakfast - Ministry booths & Vendors
9:00 a.m. Plenary Gathering: Convention Speaker, Dr. Katherine Meeks
9:45 a.m. Break –Ministry booths & Vendors
10:00 a.m. Clergy Photo*
10:30 a.m. Convention Eucharist
12:00 p.m.. “Free-range” Lunch & Ministry Booths & Vendors
1:15 p.m. Workshops
2:00 p.m. Break
2:15 p.m. Workshops
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Closing Plenary Gathering (Bishop’s medals)
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
*Clergy must be vested (festive colors) and ready at this time.
Saturday – November 15, 2025
Clergy Photo Instructions:
Attire: Please vest in festive/white liturgical colors.
Arrival: Be fully vested and ready by 10:00 AM.
Location: Gather in the main sanctuary for the clergy photo promptly at 10:00 AM.
Note: The group photo will begin immediately at 10:00 AM, so please plan accordingly to be vested and in place by this time.
Rural Ministry
Workshops
The Rev. Carrol Davenport, The Rev. Dr. Maria Evans, &
The Rev. Richard Wiskus
Public Advocacy: Faith & Activism in Ministry
The Rev. Dr. Teresa Danieley and Jeff Wunrow
Creation Care: "Here Comes the Sun!"
The Rev. Kevin McGrane and Janis Greenbaum
Love Your Enemies, But How Can I?
Dr. Catherine Meeks
Intergenerational Ministry
The Rev. Erin Pickersgill
Marketing, Social Media, and AI
AhSa-Ti Nu Tyehimba-Ford
Building Faithful Partnerships in Your Neighborhood & Beyond
The Ven. Harry Leip, the Rev. Jessica Wachter, Matthew Branch, and Scott Skaggs
CONVENTION
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry - Get information about theological education opportunities for those on an ordination track, lay leadership track, or personal enrichment track.
Camp Firebird - The official summer camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Deacon Jane Dey Convocation - Churches of the Dcn. Jane Dey Convocation
EfM: Education for Ministry - To educate attendees about the EfM program and to let them know how they can get a group started.
Episcopal Campus Ministry across the Diocese - To share information and highlights from campus ministries around the Diocese of Missouri.
Episcopal Church Women - Learn about one of our oldest church organizations which is open to all women
Episcopal City Mission - Learn about ECM and the ways they are providing support, hope, and healing for children in the juvenile justice system.
Episcopal Diocese of MO - 185th Diocesan Convention booth is THE place to be this year! Explore all the happenings of 2025. Snap a fun pic in front of our #DioMO banner!
Episcopal Relief & Development - Episcopal Relief & Development partners with local faith and community organizations to address global challenges.
Faith Christian Church of India - Discover the ways you can support and contribute to the GACC community and mission.
CONVENTION
Gun Violence Prevention Mission - Learn how you can c changes in gun policy and other opportunities.
Holy Land Crafts - display handmade artifacts from the Ho
JustFood/Jubilee Ministry - This is a social justice ministry of advocacy and service for the poor, oppressed, and marginalized within the Diocese of Missouri.
Missioner for Public Advocacy -
Respect MO Voters - Supports and promotes advocacy for issues and public policy that are in line with our Baptismal Covenant
Shepherd Field Group - Olive wood sales from the Holy Land.
St. Michael's Episcopal Day School - To raise awareness of the Episcopal School in the Diocese.
The Bridge Market and Faith Community - Fair Trade items
The University of the South - Swanee University
Trinity Episcopal Church
RULES OF
I Rules of Order Applicable to All Plenary Sessions
A.Addressing the Convention. When any member speaks to Convention, he or she shall address himself/herself to the Presiding Officer, state his/her name and church, and confine himself/herself to the point in debate.
B. Movants of Resolutions. The names of movers of resolutions shall appear in the minutes of Convention.
C. Resolutions from the Floor. All resolutions from the floor shall be reduced to writing, presented to the Secretary, and read to Convention. A resolution from the floor that is not a part of a committee report may be introduced only at the time indicated in the Order of Business All resolutions from the floor, whether or not a part of a committee report, after receiving a short explanation from the presenter, must receive a 2/3 majority vote of Convention before it may be considered by Convention
D. Limits on debate. A member, other than the Chairman of the Committee whose report is under consideration, shall not speak more than twice in the same debate, nor longer than five minutes at a time, without leave of Convention.
E. Entry into debate by Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer may, having left the chair, enter into the debate on any question, but shall not then resume the chair until the main motion under consideration has been disposed of.
F. Motions to reconsider. When a question has once been determined it shall stand as the judgment of Convention, and shall not again be drawn into debate except on motion of reconsideration which must be made by a member who had previously voted in the majority
G Unanimous consent Except when a written ballot is required, business may be conducted by unanimous consent
H. Permanent Committee appoint members of Perm Meeting of Convention. A requiring reference shall possible, to the Permane Convention
I Committee Reports Th shall be in writing, and sh motion for acceptance, u of Convention All reports recommending or requiring any action or expression of opinion by Convention shall be accompanied by a resolution for the action of Convention thereon. All annual reports shall be received and filed by the Secretary as presented before or during Convention. Such reports shall be posted online to the Convention website and may be called upon motion to be read and considered at any time during Convention.All reports received by title during Convention shall be posted by the Secretary online to the Convention web site.
J. Robert’s Rules of Order. All questions of parliamentary law not resolved by reference to the Canons or these General Rules shall be decided under Robert’s Rules of Order.
K Questions of order All questions of order shall be decided in the first instance by the Presiding Officer (in consultation, as necessary, with any parliamentarian appointed by the Presiding Officer), without debate; an appeal may be made to Convention by any member
L.Single Transferable Vote Ballot. Except in cases where majority vote is required, all elections shall be by Single Transferable Vote Ballot utilizing such online balloting system as the Secretary shall have determined in consultation with the Presiding Officer.
1 No later than the day elections are to occur, the Secretary of Convention or his or her designee shall send an email to every member of Convention setting forth a unique voter access code
2 Each elector shall mark his or her ballot by numbering the names of all the candidates for each office in order of preference, with “1” being the highest (most preferred) ranking. For example, if there are three candidates, the elector places “1” beside their first choice, “2” beside their second choice, and “3” beside their third choice. The elector shall not give more than one number to any name, nor shall any name be left unnumbered. Any ballot which does not comply with the directions given in this section will be invalid and will not be counted.
3. The persons appointed by the Presiding Officer to conduct the election shall count each valid ballot.
4. Any candidate that receives more than a certain number of first-place votes (a quota based upon the number of electors and number of open positions) is elected If the elected candidates receive more votes than necessary for election, their excess votes are distributed to the other candidates in accordance with the second-choice preferences of the electors Once again, any candidate that receives more than a certain number of votes is elected and the redistribution procedure continues If the redistribution procedures reach a point where there are no more votes to be redistributed and there are still more elected positions to be filled, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and the votes for that candidate are redistributed (see diagram attached[1]).
M Order of Business Once the Order of Business has been approved it may not be altered except by 2/3 majority vote of Convention, provided that the Presiding Officer may reorder agenda items at any time
II. Special Rules of Order for Thursday, November 13, 2025, and Friday, November 14, 2025
A. Electronic Meeting. The first plenary session of the 186th Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri (“Convention”) shall be conducted through use of an Internet meeting service designated by the Presiding Officer that supports anonymous voting and visible displays:
(i)identifying those participating;
(ii) identifying those seeking recognition to speak; (iii) showing (or permitting the retrieval of) the text of pending motions; and (iv) showing the results of votes
[1] Lorrie Faith Cranor, Vote Aggregation Methods, https://lorrie cranor org/pubs/diss/node4 html (last visited Nov 10, 2020)
RULES OF
II. Special Rules of Order for Thursday, November 13, 2025, and Friday, November 14, 2025
A. Electronic Meeting. The first plenary session of the 186th Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri (“Convention”) shall be conducted through use of an Internet meeting service designated by the Presiding Officer that supports anonymous voting and visible displays:
(i)identifying those participating;
(ii) identifying those seeking recognition to speak;
(iii) showing (or permitting the retrieval of) the text of pending motions; and
(iv) showing the results of votes
This electronic meeting of the Convention shall otherwise be subject to all rules adopted by the Convention to govern its annual meeting, which may include any reasonable limitations on, and requirements for, members’ participation.These rules and any other rules adopted by the Convention shall supersede any conflicting rules in Roberts Rules of Order In addition, the following procedures shall apply:
1.Voting. An anonymous vote conducted through the designated Internet meeting or electronic voting service shall be deemed a written ballot vote, fulfilling any requirement in the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri or the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America or rules that a vote be conducted by written ballot Votes shall be deemed anonymous so long as votes cast by an individual are available only to the administrator of the voting system Every member who may be present (as determined based upon members’ login information as set forth below) when a vote is called shall be counted unless he/she be excused by Convention. An electronic poll with voting options of “yes” and “no” shall be deemed a rising or standing vote, fulfilling any requirement in the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of
Missouri or the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America or rules that a vote be conducted by a rising or standing vote.
2.Electronic connection. Members shall identify themselves as required to sign in to the Internet meeting service, and shall maintain Internet and audio access throughout the meeting whenever present, but shall sign out upon any departure before adjournment
3 Quality of electronic connection Each member is responsible for his or her audio and Internet connections; no action shall be invalidated on the grounds that the loss of, or poor quality of, a member’s individual connection prevented participation in the meeting
4.Disconnection. The Presiding Officer may cause or direct the disconnection or muting of a member’s connection if such connection is causing undue interference with the meeting. The Presiding Officer’s decision to do so, which is subject to an undebatable appeal that can be made by any member, shall be announced during the meeting and recorded in the minutes.
5. Video display. In addition to display of pending motions or results of votes, video of the Presiding Officer and any member currently recognized to speak or report shall be displayed throughout the meeting, as well as such other video displays as the Presiding Officer designates in her discretion
6 Canonical terms For purposes of this Convention, the following terms shall have the following interpretation:
(a)Convention: The meeting of clergy and laity of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri (the “Diocese”) conducted wholly or in part via remote electronic participation by its members.
(a)Seat:The ability to participate in the Convention via electronic connection.
(b)Voice:The right to make oral statements during the Convention.
(c)Vote:The right to cast an oral voice or electronic poll vote or file an electronic ballot during the Convention.
B Convention Managers In order to facilitate the conduct of an electronic meeting of the Convention, the Ecclesiastical Authority may appoint one or more Convention Managers to assist the Presiding Officer and Secretary of the Convention.
C. Members to furnish communication information. No later than one week before any electronic meeting of the Convention, every member of the clergy entitled to seat, voice, or vote in Convention must notify the Ecclesiastical Authority of his or her email address in order to receive the ability to participate in a Convention held electronically. No later than such date, every rector, vicar, or a warden of any congregation entitled to representation in Convention must notify the Ecclesiastical Authority of the email address of (i) every Lay Deputy of such congregation or (ii) any Alternate who will replace an elected Lay Deputy who will be unable to attend the Convention
D Secretary to send login information No later than three days before any electronic meeting of Convention, the Secretary of Convention or his or her designee shall send an email to every member of Convention setting forth (i) the time of the meeting and (ii) the URL and codes necessary to connect to the Internet meeting service, and, as an alternative and backup to the audio connection included within the Internet service, the phone number and access codes the member needs to participate aurally by telephone.
E. Opening of meeting and quorum.
1.Login Time.The Secretary shall schedule Internet meeting service availability to begin at least 30 minutes before the start of each meeting.
2.Signing in and out. Members shall identify themselves as required to sign in to the Internet meeting service, and shall maintain Internet and audio access throughout the meeting whenever present, but shall sign out upon any departure before adjournment
3 Quorum The Convention Managers shall determine and report to the Secretary the presence of a quorum as required by the diocesan Constitution on the basis of members’ login information Less than a quorum may act on a motion to adjourn
F. Making a motion. A member intending to make a main motion, to offer an amendment, or to propose instructions to a committee, shall, before or after being recognized, post the motion in writing to the online area designated by the Secretary for such purpose, preceded by the member’s name, parish affiliation and a number corresponding to how many written motions the member has so far posted during the meeting Use of the online area designated by the Secretary for this purpose shall be restricted to posting the text of intended motions The names of movers of resolutions shall appear in the minutes of Convention All motions and resolutions requiring reference shall be referred, so far as possible, to the Permanent Committees of Convention.
G. Obtaining the floor. To seek recognition by the Presiding Officer, a member shall use the Zoom “raise hand” request and await recognition. Once the pending action is completed, the Convention Manager shall clear the online queue. When any member speaks to Convention, he/she shall address himself/herself to the Presiding Officer, state his/her name and church, and confine himself/herself to the point in debate.
H.Seconding of motions and related posts. Members responding “so moved” to a request from the Presiding Officer for a motion, or seconding any motion that requires a second, must do so using the Zoom Chat feature without needing to be recognized by the Presiding Officer.
I. Display of motions. The Secretary shall designate an online area exclusively for the display of the immediately pending question and other relevant pending questions (such as the main motion, or the pertinent part of the main motion, when an amendment to it is immediately pending); and, to the extent feasible, the Secretary, or any assistants appointed by him or her for this purpose, shall cause such questions, or any other documents that are currently before the meeting for action or information, to be displayed therein until disposed of.
III Rules of Order for Saturday, November 15, 2025
A.Standing Vote. Any member of Convention may call for a vote by hands or standing vote.
B.Voting.Every member of Convention who may be in attendance when such a vote is called shall be counted unless he/she be excused by Convention.
Voting Platform
Elections will be conducted utilizing an online voting platform called Election Buddy. Eligible voters will access the platform through a personalized e-mail link. This voting platform is tablet, smartphone, and computer-friendly and designed to work with all major browsers.
When
Election voting will occur during the Thursday evening business session of the Convention. Shortly after the introduction of nominees, eligible voters will receive an e-mail containing their personalized voting link. The e-mail will come from electionbuddy.com with an Episcopal Diocese of Missouri header. If unable to find the e-mail, please be sure to check your spam or trash folders.
How
Our voting will be conducted using a preferential aggregate transfer ballot system. Each elector shall mark his or her ballot by numbering the names of all the candidates for each office in order of preference, with “1” being the highest (most preferred) ranking. For example, if there are three candidates, the elector places “1” beside their first choice, “2” beside their second choice, and “3” beside their third choice. The elector shall not give more than one number to any name, nor shall any name be left unnumbered.
Step-by-Step Voting Instructions
1.When instructed to begin voting at Convention, navigate to your e-mail and open the voting e-mail. This e-mail will contain your unique voting access key. The keys are single-use, ensuring that a voter can vote only once.
1.Click the provided link that will take you directly to your personalized voting screen.
1.Enter the password announced at the time of voting. You will not receive this password ahead of time.
1.Once at the ballot, mark your selections for each election, scrolling down to access each election.
1.Click Continue.
1.Review your choices. To change, choose Edit, or to finalize and vote, select Submit.
1.You will receive a confirmation verifying that your submission was successful.
NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTED OFFICES
The Nominations Committee is pleased to announce our slate of nominations for election at the 186th Annual Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. We will be electing members to the Cathedral Chapter, Diocesan Council, Disciplinary Board, and Standing Committee.
According to our Diocesan Constitution, all nominations for elected positions must be submitted at least 50 days prior to Convention. Our deadline for nominations was September 24, 2025.
Any nominations made after the October 7 deadline are considered a “petition,” and must be submitted to the Presiding Officer (the Bishop) during Convention. Those petitions must be signed by at least five voting members and accompanied by the written consent of each nominee. The Bishop will add any additional nominations to the official ballot.
This booklet contains all officially nominated candidates (nominations received by September 24, 2025).
Any nominations made after the deadline will be added from the floor during the Convention.
* The Constitution of The Episcopal Church in The Diocese of Missouri, Article III.6
NOMINATIONS FOR CATHEDRAL CHAPTER
Electing 1 lay member (from inside St. Louis City/County) and 1 clergy member (from inside St. Louis City/County) for 3-year terms
Cathedral Chapter is similar to the Vestry of a parish, but because the Cathedral is the Bishop’s seat and the “mother church” for the Diocese, its leadership is made up of clergy and lay members from throughout the Diocese as well as its own congregation. Chapter meets monthly on Zoom.
NOMINEES for election to Cathedral Chapter:
Philip
Kauffman
Trinity CWE, St Louis
I am a retired RN of 40years The Rn profession was mostly practiced within the hospital setting I have done direct patient care to beng charge positions. The nursing profession also took me to volunteer at cultural institutions as a nurse on duty I had volunteered with the city health department, giving vaccinations and other medical services. I have 3 BA degrees: secondary education, teacher; Business Administration in finance and economics; and BSN Also I had spent 3 years in the Lutheran Seminaries I was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America before becoming an Episcopal-Anglo catholic I joined Christ Church Cathedral in St Louis in 2010: lecture, lay minister, property and finance committee, head of grounds ( St Francis Creation Care Committee), Jane Mayfield, and I started the fellowship committee, convention delegate Years member I enjoy reading history, historical literature, archeological, and anthropological literature I love outdoor activities still work PRN at St Luke's Hospital and part-time at Cardinals Museum I have been a volunteer at the Missouri Botanical Gardens for 40 years, Zoo and Forest Park Forever for 20 years.
Sherine Paul
Faith Christian Church of India, Ballwin
ristian Church of India, I have been ommittees that have provided me with an s function and a heightened commitment ed to the ministry of promoting unity and n community and would be honored to athedral Chapter, bringing my time, e work of the Church I passionately ared leadership and would welcome the k of the diocese
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
Electing 4 clergy members and 4 lay members (and 4 alternates each). Deputies shall serve for 3 years or until their successors are elected.
The Rev. Deacon Loretta Go
I would be honored to represent our diocese as a deputy at the 82nd General Convention I have been Episcopalian since childhood, but my experience here did not begin until I relocated from Arkansas in 2002 My time here has given me a solid appreciation for the governance and collaborative spirit of the Episcopal Church. It is also during this time that I entered discernment and was ordained a deacon in June of 2023
I am blessed to serve as Chaplain to Bishop Deon and represent him on the cabinet of the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St Louis I serve as diocesan Missioner of Recovery Ministries and Deacon at St. Stephen’s & the Vine in Ferguson. Past duties include co-facilitator for Sacred Ground dialogue series, one term on Standing Committee, ECW Chaplain, and various lay ministries, including altar guild, LEM, vestry, junior warden, and clergy admin.
"Becoming Beloved Community", our long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice, holds special meaning to me As a daughter of immigrants who fled China in 1949, I am deeply saddened and angered by the current administration’s quest to end birthright citizenship, its indiscriminate deportation policy, and the economic challenges that have been handed to the AAPI community
All baptized Episcopalians vow to respect the dignity of every human being A deacon vows to share in Christ’s ministry of servanthood and to serve all people, particularly the poor, the sick, and the oppressed Given recent cuts in government assistance, it is now more than ever up to us to step up and help provide for those in need.
Twenty-one out of 850 deputies at the 81st General Convention in 2024 were AAPI Missouri has not had diaconal representation at GC since 2018. Please help me increase representation in these two underserved cohorts in 2027 Thank you!
The Rev. Shug Goodlow Christ Church, Rolla
I am the Rev Shug Goodlow, and I am both pleased and humbled to offer myself as a candidate for General Convention Deputy (clergy) I have been in the diocese for about 30 years and am currently Priest-in-Charge at Christ Church Rolla. Prior to that, I served as Assistant Rector at St Martin’s Ellisville, Deacon at St Peter’s Ladue, and Head Verger at Christ Church Cathedral I have also served as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Chaplain, Episcopal City Mission, member Diocesan Council, Standing Committee (1 term as president); and Doorway Executive Board member.
Current responsibilities: Member, Interim Bodies LGBTQIA+ Task Force (appointed ); Missioner, Racial Reconciliation and Social Justice; Co-Facilitator, Dismantling Racism Commission; Trustee for Episcopal Presbyterian Trust Fund (appointed); Board Chair, Episcopal City Mission; member Disciplinary Board; member LGBTQIA+ diocesan ministry
I am grateful to be in ministry with such a dynamic, forward-thinking, energizer-bunny-of-abishop and wonderful colleagues, both lay and ordained I seek to be led by the Holy Spirit in all that I do I am filled with hope and excitement about the opportunities for growth and service we all share I have a servant’s heart; everything I do or try to do is centered in our Baptismal Covenant, which I read every morning
I acknowledge that I am called to use my God-given gifts and talents by using these gifts in service to others, our community, and the church. I look forward to serving this diocese that I have loved and served for 30 years; the diocese that has cared for me, raised me up, and shaped me and my ministry. May God bless each and every one of us as we engage in business and fellowship during our time together at this diocesan convention
I am your sibling servant in Christ, Shug+
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
NOMINEES for election to the Deputies to General Convention: (continued)
The Rev. Paul Jacobson
I have served the Church as a pastor, musician, educator, and writer for more than forty years A native Midwesterner, born in Illinois and raised in Florissant, I have an undergraduate degree in organ performance, received a Marshall Fellowship to study organ and conducting in Denmark, and acquired dual Master's degrees in Organ and Religion I hold a PhD in theology, specializing in the liturgical history of the Early Middle Ages Ordained a priest in 2010, I have served parishes in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Indiana In the Diocese of Indianapolis, I was invited by the bishop to curate liturgy and music for clergy gatherings and Diocesan Conventions I also served on the Executive Council, the Disciplinary Board, and the Standing Committee On the wider church level, I am active in Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church and the Association of Anglican Musicians, having served on a national planning committee and the Professional Developments and Concerns Society
Currently, as the Rector of Trinity in the Central West End of St Louis, MO, I am committed to the belief that a deeply embodied practice of public prayer fosters a richer witness to the Good News of God in Christ
These wide and varied experiences have given me a deeper understanding of the particular ways that work is carried out in the Episcopal Church I believe that the Holy Spirit is active in the faithful work of collective discernment and parliamentary procedure. Despite its sometimes-knotty particulars, I have a deep love of the Episcopal Church, believing that ongoing discernment at conventions (both diocesan and general) might show us how the Holy Spirit is calling us to be Church. I feel that I am well prepared to serve faithfully and represent the Diocese of Missouri at General Convention in 2027
The Rev. Deacon Justin Martin Christ Church Catheral, St Louis
The Reverend Justin Martin is a vocational deacon in the Diocese of Missouri, serving at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis since his ordination on December 9, 2013. He currently serves on the diocesan Standing Committee and on the advisory boards for Jubilee Ministries, Recovery Ministries, and Young Adult Ministries. He previously served in the Emory Washington Convocation as representative to the Diocesan Council
Deacon Justin moved to St. Louis in 2017 to begin a hospital chaplaincy role at Saint Anthony’s Hospital/Mercy Today, he is the Director of Spiritual Care Innovation and Transformation for Mercy, where he provides strategic leadership to more than one hundred and fifty chaplains across five states and forty hospitals His work focuses on advancing spiritual care practices that support patients, families, and staff in diverse healthcare settings
Before coming to St Louis, Deacon Justin completed a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio He earned a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D C , and completed a unit of CPE at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland A graduate of Berea College in Kentucky, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music
Trinity, CWE, St. Louis
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
NOMINEES for election to the Deputies to General Convention: (continued)
The Rev. Meghan Ryan St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Creve Coeur
Originally hailing from Paducah, Kentucky, Rev Meghan Ryan attended Murray State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theatre. She is a 2011 graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary After ordination, she served churches in Western Kentucky, Clarksville, TN, and Ponte Vedra, FL. Meghan's work in parishes, dioceses, and in larger Episcopal associates has prepared her to take on the work of a Deputy to General Convention
Mo Meghan currently serves as the Rector of St Timothy's Church in Creve Coeur, MO Her current area of focus at St. Tim's is fostering intergenerational spaces of learning, prayer, and fellowship, with the goal of creating space for children, youth, and young adults to become more full participants in the shared life of discipleship. In the Diocese of MO she serves as cochair of "Cultivate: Connecting Clergy" (an orientation program for new priests in the diocese), the leadership team of Camp Firebird (the diocesan summer camp), and is wrapping up a tenure as the co-missioner for Gun Violence Prevention She is also a member of Gathering of Leaders, an organization “committed to connecting young, creative, proven clergy-leaders in the Episcopal church ” And if you listen to Forward Movement's Daily Prayer podcast, you may have heard Meghan's voice, as she serves as an occasional reader
Meghan is married to Michael Francese, an architectural designer and small business owner They have two daughters, Kenna (11) and Louise (5). She cares deeply about the Church's mission in the world and works hard to collaborate with others to make sure the Episcopal Church grows as a community of radical inclusion, transformation, and love. As a Deputy, she would be proud to represent the values of this Diocese as we seek a "world transformed by God's love, justice, and peace."
The Rev. Clive Samson Faith Christian Church of India, Ballwin
The inimitable strength of the Diocese of Missouri is its diversity. And if not me, then who is the right person to represent this uniqueness of our Diocese within the Episcopal Church?
At a time when political tyranny targets immigrants, particularly Asian Indians, it is vital that I raise my voice for us, as your voice. The time is now
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
NOMINEES for election to the Deputies to General Convention: (continued)
The Rev. Leslie Scoopmire
St. Martin's, Ellisville
I would be honored to be elected to serve as a clergy delegate to the 82nd General Convention to be held in Phoenix in 2027
I have served as a delegate at the COVID-limited 80th General Convention in 2021 and as an alternate at the 81st General Convention in 2024
During my time at GC81, I sought to represent our diocese, particularly in the areas of Creation Care and Indigenous Ministries These activities are natural outgrowths of DioMO's strong interest in feeding ministries and creation care, as well as my work as Indigenous Missioner
As a member of the "Green Deputies Caucus," I spoke before the Budget Committee regarding funding for creation care and climate initiatives, and was actively engaged in helping to pass resolutions encouraging the promotion of sustainable development and care of the natural resources of the nations within the Episcopal Church I also helped run the social media for the Green Deputies Caucus, and attended multiple meetings, in addition to my observation and participation in plenary sessions in both the Houses of Deputies and of Bishops I was blessed to be allowed to speak on the floor of the House of Deputies in support of the adoption of prayers and liturgies regarding the tragic history of boarding schools on our Indigenous kindred, and I attended meetings of working groups in that area.
In my 8 years of ordained ministry, I have served and prayed alongside many of you across the diocese, and I seek to represent our diocesan concerns. If given the opportunity to continue to serve, I would be able to build on the many collegial connections I have made and am e wider church in these and other areas of governance and ur consideration
The Rev. Tamsen Whistler
To serve as a General Convention (GC) Deputy is an honor and a privilege After the 81st GC in 2024 and until a short time ago, I told everyone who asked that I thought serving eight times as a GC Deputy for the Diocese of MO was enough I was convinced that I been as effective as I could be as a Deputy, and less effective in 2024 than I had been previously. Recently, however, I have been urged to rethink my decision As a newly retired priest, without the responsibilities of a parish, leadership in the St. Charles ministerial alliance, or designated diocesan roles, I have, theoretically, more time. I also bring a long view of the church parish, diocese, province, and GC With all our flaws as the “Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement” (Bp. Curry) and all my own flaws, I have great love for and hope for the Church I was ordained Deacon June 15, 1984 and Priest Feb 24, 1985 I served as a lay Diocesan Convention delegate as a lay person from 1977-1981; as both a lay person and a cleric on Diocesan Council; three times as a priest on Standing Committee; on numerous diocesan committees; an EFM Mentor and a Stephen Leader; 13 years as a Reader for the General Ordination Exam; on the ECM Board, Grace Hill Board; and the 2018-19 Bishop’s Search Committee! I served on the staff of Grace Church/Jefferson City (1984-86), Calvary Church/Columbia (1986-95) also serving St Barnabas’ Church/Moberly I served Trinity Church/St Charles as Rector May 1995-Aug 2025 St John’s Church/Caruthersville sponsored me for ordination I taught high school English and journalism six years. Robert Brown and I married Nov 1983. Our son and daughter-in-law live in Richmond, VA I love reading, cooking, traveling, coffee, cats, and serving the church
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
NOMINEES for election to the Deputies to General Convention: (continued)
Betty Bowersox Grace, Kirkwood
I’ve been blessed to be elected as a deputy for the past three General Conventions (GC), serving as deputation lay co-chair each time At the last two Conventions, I’ve also been appointed to GC Legislative Committees, doubly enriching the opportunity to serve my Church! An Episcopalian from birth, I moved to St Louis in 1987 My first church here was Good Shepherd (now Hope), where I was an acolyte, Lay Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Jr Warden, Metro IV lay representative to Diocesan Council, and on the Standing Committee Now at Grace-Kirkwood, I’ve continued altar services, added handbells, participated in Metro III, and chaired the Stewardship Committee for four years I’m on the Emery Washington Convocation leadership team, twice served on Episcopal City Mission’s Board, completed a second Standing Committee term (Secretary 2020-22), and was on the Diocesan Nominations Committee for six years (three as Chair) My current Diocesan appointments are to the Resolutions Committee, as Diocesan Representative to the Province V Board, and as Secretary of Convention. For a little fun, I’ve twice co-chaired the annual Diocesan Picnic
Trained as a Mechanical Engineer at Michigan State (BS) and Rensselaer Polytechnic (MS) in NY, I retired early after working at Nooter/Eriksen (MO) as a Quality Systems Engineer and Sr Project Manager. I’ve also worked at General Electric (MA/OH) and Air Products (MO). A Fellow of my professional organization (ASME), I’ve served on their Board of Directors and Committee on Finance and Investment. I enjoy reading, gardening, and traveling with my husband. My education, experience, and the many volunteer positions in technical, parish, diocesan and provincial organizations/committees have been a great help in preparing me to serve as a deputy at GC I enjoy contributing to the ministry of governance, and would be honored if elected as a member of our 2027 Deputation
Adrienne Dillon
All Saints/Ascension, St. Louis
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
NOMINEES for election to the Deputies to General Convention: (continued)
Doris Goodlow
Christ Church Cathedral, St Louis
My name is Doris Lucy-Goodlow I have been an Episcopalian for 58 years and a member of Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis, for nearly 30 years. After considerable prayer and discernment, I have decided to run for the position of Deputy to General Convention as a lay candidate.
I have served in several positions of responsibility at the parish level, diocesan level, and wider church level, including Convention Deputy, Vestry (three terms), Diocesan Convention Delegate, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Altar Guild, Parish Administrator, Cathedral Chapter, and the Commission on Ministry (COM) I also bring organizational and leadership skills from 37 years spent working as a Government Systems Analyst for the United States
The coming years promise to be both challenging and exciting as our church discusses important matters and resolutions put before us I have served one term as a Deputy and feel confident that I have learned the ways of the General Convention.
The Episcopal Church is in a period of transition I believe I possess gifts that are particularly suited for this time in our church: a grateful heart, a joyful outlook, an open spirit, and the ability and willingness to listen with a discerning mind I am a prayer warrior and am passionate about sharing the Good News of the Gospel. I know that the Gospel reveals ways for us to all participate more fully in the life of The Episcopal Church through meaningful dialogue and engagement.
I am married to Rev Shug Goodlow, Priest-in-Charge at Christ Church Rolla We have two daughters and a granddaughter We live in Kirkwood Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself
Samuel Kincade
Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis
I am a Life Professed Franciscan Friar with the Order of Saint Francis. I am the Chairman of the Ministry and External Witness Committee Our committee is charged with spreading the word about our Order.
I am a lifelong learner, always seeking to deepen my understanding of faith, theology, and Church history. I attend workshops, read widely, and participate in study groups. This habit of continual growth ensures that I remain open to new ideas and perspectives, and it enables me to engage thoughtfully with the evolving conversation within the Episcopal Church.
I am committed to preparing thoroughly for the Convention studying the issues, understanding the resolutions, and seeking input from my parish and diocese. I believe that informed delegates are essential to the health and vitality of our Church’s governance
As a delegate, I would bring not only experience and commitment but also a vision for the future I believe the Episcopal Church is uniquely positioned to offer hope, reconciliation, and leadership in a divided world My vision is for a Church that is courageous in its witness, generous in its welcome, and transformative in its mission
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
NOMINEES for election to the Deputies to General Convention: (continued)
Philip Kauffman
I am a retired RN of 40years The Rn profession was mostly practiced within the hospital setting I have done direct patient care to beng charge positions. The nursing profession also took me to volunteer at cultural institutions as a nurse on duty I had volunteered with the city health department, giving vaccinations and other medical services. I have 3 BA degrees: secondary education, teacher; Business Administration in finance and economics; and BSN Also I had spent 3 years in the Lutheran Seminaries. I was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America before becoming an Episcopal-Anglo catholic I joined Christ Church Cathedral in St Louis in 2010: lecture, lay minister, property and finance committee, head of grounds ( St. Francis Creation Care Committee), Jane Mayfield, and I started the fellowship committee, convention delegate Years member I enjoy reading history, historical literature, archeological, and anthropological literature I love outdoor activities still work PRN at St Luke's Hospital and part-time at Cardinals Museum I have been a volunteer at the Missouri Botanical Gardens for 40 years, Zoo and Forest Park Forever for 20 years
Rich Luebcke All Saints, Farmington
My life in the Episcopal Church began when my Baptist father and Roman Catholic mother had me baptized in a Newark, NJ church at the age of three
My experience in the life of the church began when I married an Episcopalian in Fenton, MI We found a small Episcopal church in central NJ I was elected Senior Warden at 28 and had to lead that church in a rector search at 29
My employer transferred my family and me to St Louis so that I may work on a big project Finding St Martin's in Ellisville, we joined, along with several other newly transferred families Building relationships (having young children helped), I eventually wound up being Senior Warden, working with the Rev. Howard Park...to find a new associate rector.
I was also Senior Warden during the time we had to work with the Bishop to effect the resignation of Howard's successor, not a pleasant task. I sought and received God's help when I had to explain to a packed audience in Park Hall why that resignation had to occur
My third chance as Senior Warden came just as the third rector was being interviewed and chosen, spending the next year bringing that leader up to speed
A move to Farmington happened in 2012. Shortly after, Rev. Kitty Hillquist of All Saints "outed" m,e and I became their Bishop's Warden I have been chair of the Diocesan Nominations and Election Committee (thanks to the Rev. Joe Chambers) and a member of the new bishop's Transition Committee working with the Rt Rev Deon Johnson
It is always important for new experiences and rural missions to aid in God's work I nominate myself to make that happen
Trinity CWE, St. Louis
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION
NOMINEES for election to the Deputies to General Convention: (continued)
Lisa Meeks St. Barnabas, Florissant
I am a retired school teacher/counselor of 31 years in the Ritenour school district. I am the mother of 2 sons and one daughter I have two grandchildren and 2 more on the way I am a lifelong member of the Episcopal faith. I was baptized and confirmed at All Saints and then moved to Florissant and became a member of St Barnabas Shortly after joining St Barnabas, I joined the vestry. I am also a member of the Dismantling Racism Committee. I look forward to serving the Diocese in any capacity
NOMINATIONS FOR
Electing 1 clergy members for 3-year terms
The Disciplinary Board exists to help in cases where clergy have been pr under the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Canons (Title IV) of the Canons of T (meets once a year and as needed).
The Rev. Carrol Davenport
I’ve been a priest since 2006, and for most of those years, my primary work was to coordinate the spiritual care and bereavement services for a nonprofit hospice. This work taught me to listen deeply to hard stories. I’ve also been a part of a congregation that has dealt with clergy misconduct, so I’ve seen firsthand the kind of hurt it inflicts on a community of faith. My current work is as Co-Transition Pastor at Trinity-Kirksville, where we have done some difficult work around Safe Church issues. One of the skills I have brought to this work that has been further honed over the last 18 months is the ability to have difficult conversations in kind and loving ways. I believe that these skills lend themselves to the kind of work we hope we never have to do but is sometimes necessary.
The Rev. Mtipe Koggani
Grace African Christian Connections (GACC)
The Rev Mtipe Dickson Koggani is the Founder and Priest-in-Charge of Grace African Christian Connections, a recipient of the 2024 African Diaspora Impact Award from the African Professional Network. He previously served as Assistant to the Dean at Christ Church Cathedral and has held various leadership roles within and outside the Diocese of Missouri.
Born and raised in the coastal city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, his journey has been one shaped by faith, justice, and deep compassion. Before relocating to St. Louis, Rev. Mtipe worked as an Evangelist (Lay Pastor) in the Anglican Church of Tanzania, Diocese of Dar es Salaam, under the Department of Church Planting, Mission, and Missionary.
Along with his pastoral duties, he is a practicing Attorney and a member of the Tanganyika Law Society and the East Africa Law Society. He believes that serving on the Disciplinary Committee will be an honor, giving him the opportunity to utilize his legal expertise in service to the Diocese, which he now considers his second home
Rev Mtipe is married to Beverly Divya Koggani, and together they are blessed with a daughter, Genevieve Karishma - the heart of their home and the joy of their lives
NOMINATIONS FOR
Electing 2 clergy members for 3-year terms
The Disciplinary Board exists to help in cases where clergy have been pr under the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Canons (Title IV) of the Canons of T (meets once a year and as needed).
The Rev. Kevin McGrane Trinity, St. James
Ordained in 2014, I currently serve as priest-in-charge at a small town parish in the diocese. I live on ten acres in Franklin County with my spouse. I have served as a layman on Diocesan Council, later as clergy on Standing Committee. I have been interested in clergy development and parish development for some years now, serving as one of the shepherds on the Renaissance or Requiem 3rd cohort, and a mentor to applicants to discernment. I believe I can bring my experience and concerns for clergy and the faith community to contribute to the Disciplinary Board.
NOMINATIONS FOR
Electing 1 lay member for 3-year terms
Cynthia has been a member in good standing as an attorney with the Missouri Bar since 1973. She has had her own law firm since 1978. As such, she was responsible for all trials, case management, and firm management. Prior to that, she was in counsel with Kellwood Company, where she had litigation responsibilities of an $11 million labor backpay case, managed all corporate leases, contract drafting, and managed the discovery on all pending litigation with outside counsel; was a trial attorney for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney. She is also a credentialed mediator.
The Disciplinary Board exists to help in cases where clergy have been pr under the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Canons (Title IV) of the Canons of T (meets once a year and as needed).
Cynthia Fox Christ Church Cathedral, St Louis
Ted McNamara Trinity, St. Louis
Hello I am Ted McNamara, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Saint Louis, and I am submitting my nomination for your consideration as a lay member of the Diocesan Discipline Board. My work, church, and life experiences have given me the qualities, skills, and characteristics needed to be a positive force in facilitating the expectations and needs of the Board.
My work-life background is in Human Resources leadership I am certified as a mediator, equal employment opportunity officer, professional workplace investigator, and skilled labor negotiator Personally, I am someone who has always sought to foster a strong, healthy organizational culture within a workplace climate of trust, fairness, and integrity. I am committed to upholding the values of equality, fairness, and justice in both my actions and relationships
At Trinity, I am a delegate to the Emory Washington Diocesan Convocation, a liturgical reader, a member of the film group, and helped with the Trinity Food Ministry. I have been a member of several parish councils, trained Eucharist ministers and liturgists, chaired youth leadership programs, and conducted introductory programs for lay converts to the Faith
I have been a member of Trinity since 2015 I am now retired and reside in Saint Louis City with Dennis, my husband of 27 years. I am a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and a Veteran of the US Air Force My family and I have lived in and traveled extensively throughout the world, where we have been privileged to engage with, learn from, and be enriched by a broad range of culturally diverse communities In my downtime, my likes and interests are family, church, creative cooking, gardening, photography, good books, good movies, classic cars, boating, being an avid sports fan, and global travel.
NOMINATIONS FOR
Electing 1 lay member for 3-year terms
The Disciplinary Board exists to help in cases where clergy have been presented with charges under the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Canons (Title IV) of the Canons of The Episcopal Church (meets once a year and as needed).
Lisa Meeks St. Barnabas, Florissant
I am a retired school teacher/counselor of 31 years in the Ritenour school district I am the mother of 2 sons and one daughter I have two grandchildren and 2 more on the way. I am a lifelong member of the Episcopal faith. I was baptized and confirmed at All Saints and then moved to Florissant and became a member of St. Barnabas. Shortly after joining St. Barnabas, I joined the vestry. I am also a member of the Dismantling Racism Committee I look forward to serving the Diocese in any capacity
Tom Smith
Emmanuel, Webster Groves
T y ber to the Disciplinary Board for two previous terms and is seeking to serve another term Tom is a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and is Co-Chair of Faith in Action there. Tom is an attorney who has been an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office since 2013.
NOMINATIONS FOR STANDING COMMITTEE
Electing 1 clergy member and 2 lay members for 4-year terms
The Standing Committee functions as the council of advice to the Bishop. It is a visioning group for the diocese; certifies candidates for ordination in the diocese; votes on consent to the election, ordi nation, and consecration of bishops churchwide; and may serve as the ecclesiastical authority for the diocese in the absence of a bishop (meets monthly).
NOMINEES for election to the Standing Committee:
The Rev. Teresa Danieley St. Mark's, St. Louis
I have served as a priest in this Diocese for over 21 years I have been a leader in this Diocese and the wider Church since high school; my appointments have included leading an Episcopal Church Task Force on Imagining a Church Grounded in Social Justice as Christian Ministry from 2022-2024 My training as a priest has been augmented by specific training in nonprofit management (a Master of Public Policy), a Doctor of Ministry from Eden Theological Seminary, and a recent certificate in interim and transitional ministry. NOTE: By the time of the convention, I may be serving in a new ministry setting.
In 1993, when I was 16, I attended an Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) in Massachusetts with other youth from the Diocese of Missouri It was a mountain-top experience in which I felt a call to the priesthood and in which I learned a song with these unforgettable lyrics: “Is the Church a stone building? A book or a pew? No, the Church is the Lord’s hand and feet and that’s me and that’s you!”
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is from Acts chapter 2 (44-47), in which Luke describes life among the first followers of Jesus. The lyrics from that campy song from EYE and that passage from Acts 2 are foundational to my life as a Christian and as a priest. The Church as an institution is only as worthwhile as the agape (sharing, charitable) love that we embody in the world through Jesus Christ. My life’s work has been to help people and organizations (religious and secular) act faithfully on the values they proclaim Demonstrating agape love with glad and generous hearts and acting as the Lord’s hands and feet to all whom we meet - that is what being the Church means to me
NOMINATIONS FOR STANDING COMMITTEE
NOMINEES for election to the Standing Committee: (continued)
Suhasini Avula
Calvary Episcopal, Columbia
Suhasini Avula is a compassionate and multidimensional ministry leader with a strong foundation in theology, pastoral care, and community engagement. Her ministry formation includes internships at Calvary Episcopal Church in Missouri and Church at Wieuca in Atlanta, where she contributed to worship leadership, women and children's ministry, intercessory prayer, Bible study facilitation, and serving the transient population in both inner city and rural settings Suhasini is deeply committed to discipleship, having led and participated in small group ministries across multiple churches and communities. Her training has shaped her approach to relational evangelism and authentic spiritual formation in a diverse setting of various religions. Whether offering pastoral care at a hospital bedside, leading community outreach efforts, or fostering spiritual growth in small groups, Suhasini approaches every role with empathy, insight, and a heart for service. She brings a unique blend of theological wisdom, professional excellence, and cross-cultural sensitivity to every ministry context she enters
Becky Brewer
St. Martin's, Ellisville
NOMINATIONS FOR STANDING COMMITTEE
NOMINEES for election to the Standing Committee: (continued)
Lisa Meeks
St. Barnabas, Florissant
I am a retired school teacher/counselor of 31 years in the Ritenour school district I am the mother of 2 sons and one daughter. I have two grandchildren and 2 more on the way. I am a lifelong member of the Episcopal faith I was baptized and confirmed at All Saints and then moved to Florissant and became a member of St. Barnabas. Shortly after joining St. Barnabas, I joined the vestry I am also a member of the Dismantling Racism Committee I look forward to serving the Diocese in any capacity
Tamela Motsinger
St.John and St.James, Sullivan
I am a relatively new member of St John and St James in al Church as a whole In my time here, I have come to love flexibility and outside-of-the-box thinking
I am a member of the Bishop's committee and serve on a couple of different ministries within our congregation
I believe that being part of the Standing Committee would be an honor to serve the Episcopal Church as a whole I enjoy engaging in thoughtful conversations on important matters and working together as a team to find solutions that best serve all. I feel that being part of a smaller, rural congregation will afford the opportunity of a fresh perspective on matters that are important to churches of all sizes.
I am also part of the LGBTQIA+ community My wife and I have been together for 38 years, we legally married in 2016. We have 1 adopted son and 3 grandchildren that we adore.
N O M I N A T I O N C O M M I T T E E
Mike Fowlkes, Chair
Theresa Luebcke
The Rev. Dr. Teresa Danieley
The Rev. Dr. Maria Evans
The Rev. Dave Malek
Vicki Myers
M E M B E R S
RESOLUTIONS
There are three types of resolutions:
1. Amendments to the Constitution and Canons: According to the Canons of the Diocese of Missouri, all proposed resolutions for consideration at the Diocesan Convention must be submitted for consideration no later than 50 days prior to the opening of that convention. The Committee on Constitution and Canons will be presenting the following resolutions for final approval (second reading) at the 186th Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri: K-185 and L 185
2. Regular Resolutions: These resolutions must be sent to the Resolutions Committee for review. These resolutions typically only apply to the year immediately following Diocesan Convention. The Resolutions Committee presents two regular resolutions for consideration this year: A-186: Clergy Compensation
3. Courtesy Resolutions: Courtesy Resolutions are ceremonial resolutions showing appreciation for individuals and organizations, or for commemorating things such as the anniversaries of the founding of parishes. These are also submitted to the Chair of the Resolutions Committee. The Resolutions Committee presents courtesy resolutions this year (to be announced during the convention). Copies of all proposed resolutions for this year’s convention are found on the following pages (except courtesy resolutions, which will be read during convention).
Resolution A-186
Clergy Compensation
Submitted by Diocesan Council
1. BE IT RESOLVED that this 186th Convention of the Episcopal Dioc set the annual standard base compensation for full-time clergy in 2
Table outlines a standard base for full-time solo or senior clergy Full-time associate compensation should follow the left column This resolution establishes a standard base compensation for clergy Congregations are urged and invited to compensate clergy beyond the standard. It is understood that under individual circumstances and conditions, internal adjustments in the compensation package may be negotiated.
The recommendation for 2026 reflects a 3% increase. This increase is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index-Midwest Urban Consumers. Rationale
2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Church Pension Fund asse the congregation; 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $50,000 group congregation; 4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the medical cove with Diocesan Resolution A-172; 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED tha per calendar year and $500 will be provided for continuing educat RESOLVED that the standard auto allowance will be $2,000 per y RESOLVED that all parishes and missions encourage their full- time equivalent of two days each week for personal time, 24 hou consecutive; 8. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and encouraged to provide dental insurance for clergy and eligible dependents, or be assured they already have such coverage; 9. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clergy in Charge shall accrue two weeks of sabbatical time for each year of service; 10. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and missions be encouraged to reimburse deacons and nonstipendiary clergy for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with continuing education and diocesan clergy retreats, including mileage, professional memberships, and publications. (See also requirement in Title III Canon III.2 Sec 4 of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri); and 11. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all active vocational deacons shall receive compensation from the congregation and/or diocese in an amount sufficient to enable them to participate in programs offered by the Church Pension Fund. Current Salary Range for Full-Time Solo or Senior Clergy in the Diocese of Missouri
A-172 Implementation of Health Plan
1.BE IT RESOLVED that this 172nd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese o Congregations within the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Offices of 100% ofthe cost of individual health insurancecoverage (selected from th the Denominational Health Plan and administered by the Episcopal Churc lay and ordained employees working 1,500 or more hours annually, in acc Canon 8 of the Episcopal Church and to be implemented no later than Jan
2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Lay and ordained employees of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Offices of the Bishop eligible for required individual health insurancecoverage under Section 1 of this resolution mayelect not to participate in the Denominational Health Plan if they have access to coverage through otherapproved sources, e.g. Medicare, Tricare, a former health insurance plan;
3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Congregations within the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Offices of theBishop shall not reduce existing coverage or increase the cost of existing coverage to employees to comply with A177 or this resolution;
4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that benefit design and premium support parity is required within each congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Offices of theBishop in the provision ofhealth insurancecoveragefor layand ordained employees;
5.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED each congregation and the Offices of the Bishop may impose a monthly premium surcharge or incentive to lay and ordained employees who elect coverage for a spouse, domestic partner, or dependent who is eligible for comparableemployer-sponsored health insurance (other than the Denominational Health Plan) through an alternate source;
6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Congregations within the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Offices of the Bishop are encouraged, if financially possible, to exceed the minimum standard of health insurance coverage for their lay and ordained employees; and
7.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that schools, day care facilities and other congregational and diocesan institutions, regardless of the independence of their incorporation or tax status, are encouraged to adopt the principles articulated in this resolution.
Resolution K-185
A resolution to amend Section 1 of Article III.9 of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese o the election of lay and clergy deputies at the last or next to the last preceding the triennial meeting of General Conventi
WHEREAS, it is preferable to have such elections at the next to Convention in order for the deputation from this Diocese to be eligible for legislative committees of the General Convention.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church
SECTION 1. At the last or the next to the last meeting of Convention preceding the triennial meeting of General Convention, Convention shall elect four Clerical and four Lay Deputies, or such other number as General Convention may specify, to represent the Diocese in the next General Convention, together with a like number of Provisional Deputies in each Order. If for any reason Convention is unable to hold the requisite election for Deputies at the next to the last meeting of Convention preceding a triennial meeting of General Convention, the election for General Convention Deputies and Provisional Deputies in each order shall be held at the last meeting of Convention preceding the triennial meeting of General Convention.
Rationale Enables elected Deputies to be eligible for Legislative Committees of the General Convention and preserves flexibility of existing Constitutional provision.
Resolution L-185 (pertinent part)
Resolution L-185: A Resolution Regarding Convocations
Submitted by the Diocesan Committee on Constitution and Canons
WHEREAS, the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing divided the Diocese into a number of Convocation Districts; and
WHEREAS, in revitalizing the mission and operation of the Convocations, the Bishop and Standing Committee have proposed to supplant the roles previously discharged by the President or Chair of a Convocation by the election of Deans and Wardens of such Convocations; and
WHEREAS, the references in the Constitution of the Diocese need to be updated accordingly.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this 185th Convention of the Diocese of Missouri amend Article III.6 of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri by amending and restating Section 8 thereof to read as follows:
SEC. 8. No person may serve simultaneously in more than one of the following positions: voting member of the Diocesan Council, voting member of the Standing Committee, or Dean or Warden of a Convocation.
Rationale: The only edit is to delete references to “President” or “Chair” of a Convocation and replacing such terms with “Dean” or “Warden.” Each Convocation still determines its own structure and elects officers as needed. The terminology in the Constitution will now match that used by the Bishop and the Standing Committee in re-visioning the Convocation Districts.
Diocese of Missouri 2026 Operating Budget Supplemental Documents
